Harlem Globetrotters Set To Entertain Troops Throughout Europe During Annual Military Tour

"Ambassadors of Goodwill" will visit troops in Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and U.K. as part of 77th annual tour of U.S. military bases

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Harlem Globetrotters

Nov 06, 2019, 09:26 ET

ATLANTA, Nov. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will embark on their annual tour of U.S. overseas military bases this week entertaining troops throughout Europe, with 13 shows in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom between Nov. 8 and Nov. 23. It marks the 77^th consecutive year the Globetrotters have entertained the troops.

The trip, made possible by Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment, will consist of games on U.S. military bases in Europe for the first time since 2016. A touring group led by Bull Bullard, TNT Lister, Hawk Anderson, Bulldog Mack, Jet Rivers, coached by Handles Franklin, will tip-off the tour this week.

Highlights of previous military tours include the Globetrotters' first-ever visit to Afghanistan in November 2012, tours of Iraq in 2009 and 2006, a visit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2005 – and games on four active-duty U.S. aircraft carriers, including a performance on the U.S.S. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf in 2006.

Last year, the Globetrotters performed on bases throughout the Middle East, and in 2017 toured bases throughout Japan, South Korea and Guam.

"It's always an honor to perform in front of members of our Armed Forces," said Bullard. "We love being able to bring them a taste of their hometown, along with some fun and entertainment, while they're away from home and keeping us safe."

In just the past 16 years, the Globetrotters have visited more than 50 U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Cuba, Djibouti, Germany, Greece, Guam, Italy, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

It all marks the start of an exciting 2019-20 campaign for the Globetrotters – their 94th – as they tip off their "Pushing The Limits" World Tour this month. The team will play in more than 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide. Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 93 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 124 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The Ambassadors of Goodwill are sponsored by Baden Sports, the Official Basketball, Champion, the Official Uniform & Apparel provider, Tum-e Yummies, the Official Fruit Flavored Drink, Carnival Cruise Line, Inc., Heelys, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies

SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters